MRLL FARM LEAGUE RULES

·  Safety first!

·  No keeping score, It’s about the kids and learning the game!!

·  The Home team will occupy the third base dugout and will be responsible for the placing/returning the bases.

·  Both teams are responsible for cleaning their dugout of trash after each game.

·  Distance between the bases is 60ft. Most fields will be pegged, if there are multiple pegs, the 60ft ones will be the shortest distance from home plate.

·  Maximum game time is 1 ½ hours, however, within reason complete the side to give maximum opportunity for play and fairness.

·  Maximum game time is 1 ½ hours; however, within reason complete the side to give the maximum opportunity for play and fairness.

·  All field volunteers must have filled out a MRLL volunteer form and turn it in with a copy of their driver’s license.

·  Players must remain in the dugout or on the field of play during games. If a player leaves the dugout or field, they must be escorted by an adult.

·  At least one coach is required to be in the dugout at all times.

·  There will be no chanting, heckling or yelling at opposing teams, parents or coaches. Only positive, encouraging comments to fellow team members will be allowed. Coaches are responsible for their player’s conduct on the field. Un-sportsman like activity will not be tolerated and will be subsequent to consequences determined by the League Board.

Defense:

·  Teams can play 10 fielders, 4 must be in the outfield.

·  Players designated as outfielders must be positioned beyond the dirt and on the outfield grass a minimum of 20ft beyond the base paths.

·  Coaches in the field of play are only permitted per:

·  Offense: the coach pitching to their own team and two adult base coaches (one at 3rd base and one at 1st base)

·  Defense: a coach from the defensive team is behind the catcher. No other defensive coaches are allowed to be on the field and must remain in the dugout.

·  All catchers MUST wear protective equipment including a cup. This is mandatory.

·  Rotate players to different positions; do not play the same player at the same position for more than two consecutive innings.

·  No player will sit for more than 1 defensive inning, players can exit and re-enter the game multiple times.

Offense:

·  Coach pitch distance is 46ft max, 35ft minimum.

·  Each batter is allowed 10 pitches or 3 strikes before batter is called out. No walks are awarded.

·  Adult pitcher will be considered the umpire during their teams’ at bat. They may (but are not required to) ask for assistance on making a call from the other coach behind the plate.

·  No leading-off, stealing or bunting allowed. Limit sliding until you have properly instruct them.

·  Runners may advance one base only on each error or overthrow. Do not keep sending your runners on multiple errors; limit the base running to within reason.

·  A runner may not advance to the next base when the defensive team makes an effort to return the ball to the pitcher (coach or player) from an infielder. Throws to the pitcher from the outfield do not stop play until the ball has reached the pitcher. If the runner is not more than half way to the next base, the runner must return to the previous base. The play will be considered dead once the pitcher has possession of the ball or has attempted to obtain possession.

·  3 outs or once through the batting order is a completion of the half inning.

·  The batting order is continuous and begins with the batter who was on-deck from the previous half inning. Each batter may only bat once per half inning.

·  Throwing of the bat will not be tolerated. First offense will be a warning. Second offense will result in an automatic out. Third offense will result in forfeiture of next turn at bat and will result in an automatic out for that at bat.

·  Review all MRLL expectations for coaches, players and parents.

·  Discuss issues or address questions to your Manager, Division Director or the MRLL Board Member on duty.

·  If you have questions regarding these rules, contact your Division Director for clarification.

·  Provide your assistant coaches, volunteers and parents with a copy of these rules.

·  Remember, this Division is meant to prepare the players for Minors Division.

Updated 15JAN2011